Capcom Experiments with 3D in Street Fighter EX
In the 1990s, Capcom sought to expand its flagship franchise into new visual territory. For this project, it allied with the studio Arika, founded by former employees, and together they created Street Fighter EX. This title represented a bold technical shift by adopting polygonal 3D models and abandoning the iconic hand-drawn sprites, while preserving the essence of two-dimensional gameplay. 🎮
A Risky Bet That Divided Players
The release in arcades and later on PlayStation failed to reach a consensus in the community. The most traditional followers of the fighting genre perceived a less precise control feel and a visual aesthetic they considered crude. New characters, like Skullomania, gained fans, but the hardcore base did not connect with the physics and spirit of this experimental branch.
Key Points of the Controversy:- The 3D models lacked the detail and animation fluidity of classic 2D sprites.
- The gameplay, though essentially 2D, was perceived as less responsive and polished.
- The saga felt like a separate product within the Street Fighter universe.
The experience gained from developing 3D graphics for a fighting game accelerates their technological transition.
A Technical Legacy That Paved the Way
Despite the mixed reception, the EX saga served as a vital laboratory for Capcom. The knowledge gained from animating polygonal characters on a two-dimensional game plane proved invaluable. This direct experience with 3D technology allowed the company to optimize its processes for future projects.
Lessons Applied Later:- Mastering the animation of 3D figures for fast and complex movements typical of a fighting game.
- Understanding how to integrate three-dimensional scenarios without interfering with classic gameplay.
- Laying the technical foundations for the development of Street Fighter IV.
The Bridge to the Saga's Future
The true value of Street Fighter EX materialized years later. Street Fighter IV masterfully synthesized the three-dimensional visual style with the classic gameplay that fans craved. The balance that the EX series could not perfect at the time became the standard for the main saga. Today, these titles are remembered as a necessary experiment and a testament to an era when video games were learning to walk in a new digital space. 💥